(US) Describing a sports commentary in which a commentator describes every action in some detail as it occurs, often assisted by a second commentator who provides background information and other comments

(US) A detailed description or analysis of sporting events as they occur in succession, one play at a time.

plural of play-by-play

(Manglish, Singlish) To mess around; to play around.

(South Africa, colloquial) Fake, toy, make-believe

(intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment. / (transitive) To compete against, in a game.

(uncountable, formerly countable) Activity for amusement only, especially among the young. / (uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.

(cricket, reflexive, play oneself in) Of a batsman, to settle and become comfortable with the conditions at the beginning of his innings.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, on. / To exploit by exacerbating. / (cricket, of a batsman) to hit the ball into his own wicket, thus being out bowled

simple past tense and past participle of play